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No one knows for sure. The next X1 will be based on the UKL platform, same as the Mini Countryman. Rumors have been going around from the change happening anywhere from MY2015 to MY2017. BMW often sticks to a 7-9 year model line and the E84 platform came out in 2009 and is only 5 years old. BMW has ended productions cycles early on some models so you just never know. We do know that BMW had talked to media about the change starting almost a year ago which is earlier than they usually would talk about things from what I've seen.

The UKL is designed around FWD and adding AWD will use a different axle power design so the X1 will likely lose it's rear wheel biast that many people go to BMW for. It's also likely you won't see a 6 cylinder engine in the UKL platform. My guess is you'll see xDrive28i and xDrive20i but that's just my guess.

There are also quite a few renders of the new body style posted around, the long hood is lost and it really looks like a ponatic vibe. But they get more cabin room with a shorter vehicle.

One thing to note, the X1 is built in the same factory as the 1 series and to-be i-series. One thought is maybe the X1 is getting changed early so the plant isn't changing the X1 model to the new platform at the same time the i-series production line is being created, but just my speculation.

Steve Jobs also once said they'd never make an iPod that could play videos.

Going back on your word is new hotness.

Personally I'm looking for a car that's ~176" or less [parking for my existing e46 is hard enough] and 4 cylinders [I expect gas prices to be $5 in the next 2 years - global economy is picking up, the Chinese have followed us and are buying cars like crazy]... ideally hybrid.

Actually, my ideal car would be my e46, with all the latest features/comforts, with a sporty hybrid powertrain.

But, that's not to be. So for now there's the X1 (176.5"! 4 cylinder) or the 1-series (172"! 6 cylinder only).

The Compact Active Tourer looks promising, and I'm eager to see VW/Audi's response. The Golf R is pretty much my ideal car if my BMW X3 were to die tomorrow. Manual transmission, all-wheel-drive, 4-cylinder turbo, small enough to park in a city, and with a little ground clearance; that's my ideal combination. The Compact Active Tourer could be that exact car.

Given how BMW no longer offers manual transmission, all-wheel-drive vehicles in the US, there's a risk this will be automatic only. Time will tell...

Lots of interesting ideas from having a single vehicle with 3 cylinder front wheel drive and electric rear wheel drive (active touring?) to a M35i 350hp model to compete with Mercedes GLA 45 AMG and Audi RSQ3 (which is actually slower than the xDrive35i). Article does mention BMW's plans are for 2016. Could also be the X4 we know is coming out as well.